Bronze Interior Space and Exhibition Design · 2026
Gnt Interior Design Office
- A' Design Award 2026 Bronze Winner in Interior Space and Exhibition Design
- Awarded April 15, 2026
- CLIENT: Gnt Interior Architecture
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 7,114
- Verification code 7D8F590F52 · Verify this award
About Gnt Interior Design Office
Gnt Interior Design Office reconfigures a 25 square meter interior with a 5.5 meter ceiling into a compact workspace organized around clarity and spatial efficiency. A steel mezzanine without side wall connections enables vertical expansion while maintaining visual continuity. Transparent and reflective surfaces enhance spatial perception, while a sculptural staircase and vertical lighting emphasize height and spatial depth. Material contrast and integrated design systems allow multiple functions to coexist within a visually calm and continuous environment.
H. Guliz Tavukcuoglu's Gnt Interior Design Office engages contemporary workplace design discourse with notable material sophistication and spatial intelligence, positioning itself within design movements valuing transparency, sustainability, human-centered experience, and the dissolution of hierarchical spatial divisions that characterized earlier commercial interior paradigms, the project appears to respond to evolving professional culture where creative knowledge work demands environments supporting both focused concentration and spontaneous collaboration, where boundaries between living and working dissolve, and where material authenticity and environmental wellness receive equivalent priority to functional efficiency, compositional achievement evident in the confident manipulation of vertical space, the mezzanine structure creating not merely additional floor area but a volumetric complexity that rewards exploration and varied viewing positions, the transparent balustrade maintaining visual connectivity between levels while the substantial structural columns assert tectonic honesty, revealing rather than concealing the means of support, chromatic restraint demonstrating sophisticated color sensibility, the warm timber elements providing necessary psychological warmth and haptic invitation within a predominantly neutral and reflective envelope, the limited but strategic deployment of living green introducing biophilic connection proven to reduce stress and enhance cognitive function, technical facility apparent in numerous passages including the apparently seamless integration of the cantilevered stair system suggesting careful engineering collaboration, the precision of the acoustic paneling installation with its regular corrugated rhythm, the calibrated placement of pendant fixtures creating both functional task illumination and atmospheric accent, and the selection of large-format flooring that minimizes visual interruption while maximizing reflectivity and sense of spaciousness, material choices suggesting thoughtful consideration of embodied energy, longevity, and maintenance sustainability, the honest expression of timber grain, steel structure, and glass transparency rejecting false finishes in favor of authentic material presence, the integration of substantial living plants moving beyond token greenery toward meaningful biophilic strategy, their scale and placement suggesting genuine commitment to air quality, psychological wellness, and connection to natural growth cycles, thematically the work explores the contemporary negotiation between efficiency and humanity in professional environments, asking how spaces for concentrated cognitive work might simultaneously nurture wellbeing, creativity, and authentic human presence, the transparency of the architecture perhaps suggesting organizational transparency and collaborative openness, the material warmth countering potential coldness of purely functional spaces, the vertical spatial generosity offering psychological expansion beyond the pragmatic minimum, the visible books, decorative objects, and personal touches on work surfaces acknowledging that meaningful professional work emerges from whole persons bringing full selves to their endeavors, one might observe how the composition balances the universal and the particular, architectural elements suggesting reproducible systems and contemporary material vocabularies while details of planting, furnishing, and personal object placement anchoring the space in unique human occupation, the work invites contemplation of how thoughtfully designed professional environments might support not merely productivity measured in deliverables but human flourishing measured in sustained creative engagement, collaborative generosity, and daily experience of beauty, asking viewers to consider what qualities of spatial experience matter most in places where we spend such substantial portions of our waking lives.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- Gnt Interior Design Office reconfigures a 25 square meter interior with a 5.5 meter ceiling into a compact, highly integrated workspace. A steel mezzanine without side wall connections enables vertical expansion while preserving spatial continuity. The design functions as a multi-functional system, integrating concealed elements within a limited footprint. Transparent elements, mirrored surfaces, a sculptural staircase, and vertical lighting emphasize height, openness, and spatial perception.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Area: 25 square meters. Ceiling height: 5.5 meters. The vertical dimension enabled the introduction of a steel mezzanine, allowing spatial expansion within a limited footprint. The compact floor area required precise planning, where all functional elements were integrated and concealed to optimize usability and maintain spatial clarity.
- Tags
- Interior Design, Compact Office, Small Space Design, Mezzanine Office, Multi-functional Space, Concealed Design, Integrated Systems, Minimal Interior, Marble and Wood, Spatial Efficiency
- Production Technology
- The project combines laminated solid wood parquet, solid wood elements, block marble, mirror surfaces, painted glass, and lacquered cabinetry. A steel mezzanine system was engineered without side wall connections. Custom detailing enabled the integration of hidden elements such as sink, television, and storage within fixed structures. Precision manufacturing and on-site adjustments were essential to accommodate material weight, spatial constraints, and structural requirements.
- Design Challenge
- The main challenge was stabilizing a steel mezzanine supported only by the floor without wall connections due to structural constraints. Transporting and installing heavy block marble within a limited space required sectional cutting. Municipal regulations restricted mezzanine depth, affecting circulation planning. Coordination with engineers and detailed redesign ensured structural safety and precise integration of all elements.
- Project Duration
- The project started in November 2017 in Istanbul, Turkey and was completed in May 2018.
- Operation Flow
- The space operates through integrated and concealed elements that allow multiple functions to coexist without visual clutter. Storage, media units, and kitchen components are embedded within surfaces, enabling a clear workspace. Natural light is amplified by full-height glazing and reflective surfaces, while the mezzanine introduces vertical circulation. The result is an environment that remains open, adaptable, and easy to use, where functions are accessible yet visually hidden.
- Research
- This project is based on qualitative design research focusing on spatial efficiency within a compact, high-ceiling office. The objective was to integrate multiple functions without visual clutter. Methods included on-site measurements, mezzanine planning under municipal regulations, and layout studies using sketches and 3D models. The designer acted as both client and tester. Results showed that concealed systems improve usability and clarity.
- Inspiration
- Based on a “less is more” approach, the design is inspired by the challenge of integrating multiple functional requirements within a compact office space. It explores how complexity can be concealed within a clear spatial expression, using vertical expansion and a transparent mezzanine to enhance perception. Material contrast between block marble and solid wood informs the balance between density, warmth, and atmosphere.
- Image Credits
- Main İmage is İmage #1 : Buket Yaşar Photography, Buket Yaşar, 2019.
Optional Image #1 is Image #2 : Buket Yaşar Photography, Buket Yaşar, 2019.
Optional Image #2 is Image #3 : Buket Yaşar Photography, Buket Yaşar, 2019.
Optional Image #3 is Image #4 : Buket Yaşar Photography, Buket Yaşar, 2019.
Optional Image #4 is Image #5 : Buket Yaşar Photography, Buket Yaşar, 2019.
Video Credits: Buket Yaşar Photography, Buket Yaşar, 2019. - Patents
- Copyrights belong to Guliz Tavukcuoglu, 2018.
Colors of Gnt Interior Design Office
Grand Interview about Gnt Interior Design Office
The steel mezzanine emerged from a spatial challenge rather than a structural ambition. Although the office occupies only 25 square meters, it has a ceiling height of 5.5 meters. This unusual proportion made the space feel narrower and deeper than it actually was, creating a tunnel-like perception.My goal was to break down this vertical scale and create a more balanced spatial experience while gaining additional functional area. The mezzanine allowed us to introduce storage and a small service space above, while preserving the openness of the main working area below. The floating wooden staircase became a sculptural element that connected these two levels and helped transform the height into an architectural feature rather than a challenge.As both the designer and the user of the space, witnessing this idea become reality was particularly meaningful. The project reinforced my belief that limitations often lead to stronger design solutions. What began as an effort to solve a difficult spatial condition ultimately became the defining element of the entire office.
Evaluating small spaces only by their floor area means overlooking much of their potential. With the GNT Interior Architecture Office, I wanted to show that a space is not defined by square meters alone. When carefully planned, both visible and hidden solutions can allow all functional needs to be accommodated within the same volume. For this reason, I considered both horizontal and vertical space as active parts of the design.The mezzanine, concealed storage areas, multifunctional surfaces, and materials that enhance visual continuity allowed us to make a relatively small space work much harder. The main idea was to organize the available volume in a way that could support all of our needs without compromising the spatial experience.I believe future workspaces will become increasingly compact, while shared-use environments will become more common. As a result, spaces that make better use of every square meter and can adapt to different needs will become even more valuable. The GNT Interior Architecture Office was designed around this idea.
One of my main goals in the GNT Interior Architecture Office was to create a calm and cohesive spatial experience by making as many functional elements as possible invisible. For this reason, I developed several custom detail solutions throughout the project.One of the most important was the sink concealed within a large storage unit. To keep the sink completely hidden, I used a glass countertop solution that I had not implemented before. The operable glass cover and the faucet that appears only when needed allowed me to eliminate the visual presence of a kitchenette in everyday use.Similarly, I did not want the television to remain permanently visible. Instead, it was concealed within a volume designed as the supporting leg of the main work desk. When needed, it rises through a lifting mechanism and can be used for presentations and meetings. This detail not only creates an unexpected experience for visitors but also helps preserve the clean character of the workspace.Precision fabrication and on-site adjustments played a major role in the success of these solutions. The concealed sink system, the technical infrastructure integrated within the desk, the custom glass cut-outs, and the precise alignment between the staircase and storage elements all required millimetric accuracy and careful coordination. In the end, these technical details remain largely unnoticed by users, yet they are essential to maintaining the simple and calm atmosphere of the space.
For me, this award means that the project has been recognized not only for its aesthetics, but also for the thinking behind it. With the GNT Interior Design Office, my aim was to create a simple, clear, and calm spatial experience from the moment someone enters the space. Behind that simplicity, however, are numerous hidden functions, technical solutions, and carefully considered details.I believe the project's most important message is that spatial quality is achieved not by adding more elements, but by organizing needs intelligently. For clients considering working with GNT, this project reflects our approach to transforming complex requirements into simple and cohesive solutions.
Frankly, I see this process less as solving problems during construction and more as anticipating them during the design phase. In my professional approach, design and execution are not separate processes. When developing a detail, I also think about how it will be produced, transported, assembled, and integrated into the project.At the GNT Interior Architecture Office, the mezzanine structure, marble elements, and technical details were all considered alongside engineering requirements and construction constraints from the very beginning. As a result, the implementation process progressed largely as planned.Rather than changing my approach to problem-solving, this project reinforced my belief that design decisions cannot be separated from technical realities. For me, successful design is not only about creating something visually compelling, but also about understanding how it will be built from the outset.
I do not see the relationship between marble and wood as a source of tension. In the GNT Interior Architecture Office, I used block marble to create a more elegant and distinctive presence. At the same time, to balance the potential coldness created by the glass and mirrored surfaces throughout the space, I incorporated solid wood.For me, what matters is not whether materials stand out individually, but how they work together to create a balanced spatial experience. The warmth introduced by the wood, combined with the solidity of the marble and the reflective surfaces, became an important element in shaping the overall character of the space.
The most important thing I learned from this project is that a well-designed space should do more than simply fulfill its functions; it should also make people feel good. When I work in the GNT Interior Architecture Office, I often lose track of time, and seeing visitors enjoy the space and leave with positive impressions is equally rewarding.The mezzanine, concealed systems, storage solutions, reflective surfaces, material selections, and all the other details continue to perform exactly as intended. Looking back, there is nothing significant that I would change.This experience has reinforced the approach I bring to future projects. For me, design is not only about meeting functional requirements, but also about creating spaces where people feel comfortable, inspired, and genuinely enjoy spending time.
I believe that every project should have its own unique character. That character is shaped by its users, its function, and the message it aims to convey. For this reason, I do not evaluate the success of a design based solely on aesthetics. What matters to me is whether the intended feeling can be communicated through the right materials, the right details, and the right spatial decisions.People should be able to work productively in a workspace, feel at ease in a place designed for relaxation, and stay focused in a learning environment. The role of design is not simply to create impressive images or photogenic spaces, but to create holistic environments that connect with people on an emotional level.For me, the most important lesson of the GNT Interior Architecture Office is that the true success of a space lies in the emotional connection it creates with its users.
Although it initially seemed like a limitation, the municipal regulations ultimately shaped one of the most important spatial decisions in the project. Designing the mezzanine within these constraints, rather than extending it across the entire space, allowed me to preserve the impact of the 5.5-meter ceiling height and create a stronger sense of volume. Looking back, this restriction helped lead to a more creative and balanced outcome than complete design freedom might have produced.
The comments I receive from visitors have been some of the most valuable feedback about the project. Many people say that the space feels impressive from the moment they walk through the door. More importantly, as they spend time in the office, they often describe it as calm, comfortable, elegant, and welcoming.To create this feeling, I combined mirrored surfaces, transparent elements, natural materials, plants, and design decisions that enhance natural light. My goal was not simply to make the space appear larger, but to create an atmosphere where people genuinely enjoy spending time.I believe the success of a space is measured by how people feel when they leave it. That is exactly the experience I wanted to create with the GNT Interior Architecture Office.